How is JAFF Partnering with Cinepoint to Capitalize on Indonesia's Film Boom?

The recent partnership between JAFF Market and Cinepoint marks a pivotal moment in Indonesia's film industry, highlighting a significant shift where local productions now frequently outperform Hollywood films at the box office. This collaboration aims to provide in-depth data tracking and insights, enabling smarter decision-making for industry players as Indonesia's cinema landscape continues to evolve rapidly.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• JAFF Market and Cinepoint have partnered to enhance data tracking in Indonesia's film industry.
• Local films have overtaken Hollywood imports in box office admissions since 2022.
• Horror has emerged as a leading genre, contributing significantly to box office success.
• Projected growth in cinema admissions and production volume reflects a thriving film landscape.
• The partnership will support upcoming discussions at JAFF Market 2025.

Understanding the Shift in Indonesia's Film Market

The collaboration between JAFF Market and Cinepoint was announced during the Asian Contents & Film Market in Busan, signalling a strategic move to better understand and document Indonesia's dynamic film market. For years, local productions struggled to compete with foreign films, particularly Hollywood blockbusters. However, since 2022, there has been a notable shift. This partnership aims to provide essential insights into this transformation, leveraging data to support sustainable growth in the industry.

The Role of Data in Film Industry Growth

As the official data provider, Cinepoint will deliver comprehensive tracking of theatrical performance, including genre trends and production metrics. This data is vital for industry participants, allowing for a more informed approach to decision-making. Sigit Prabowo, co-founder and president commissioner of Cinepoint, emphasised the importance of turning data into actionable insights. The partnership is designed to create an ecosystem that encourages smarter strategies and long-term sustainability.

The Rise of Indonesian Cinema

Indonesia's film landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. Once dominated by imported films, the domestic market has seen a reversal, with local titles now dominating box office admissions. Between 30-40 million annual admissions are attributed to Indonesian films, while Hollywood imports attract 20-25 million. This marks a dramatic change from previous years when foreign films significantly outperformed local productions.

Audience Loyalty and Behavioural Changes

Data suggests a significant realignment in audience loyalty towards Indonesian narratives. This change in consumer preference indicates a burgeoning appreciation for local storytelling and themes. Gundy Cahyadi, head of analytics at JAFF Market, highlighted the importance of understanding cinema admissions, screen growth, and evolving audience behaviour. These insights will be crucial for producers, distributors, and policymakers aiming to navigate this new landscape effectively.

Genre Trends and Box Office Success

In recent years, horror has emerged as a breakout genre in Indonesian cinema, leading to a post-pandemic boom in productions. Local filmmakers have begun releasing numerous horror films each year, with many becoming significant box office successes. This trend has diversified the market, with hybrid formats that blend horror with comedy, religious themes, and action. Other genres, such as animation and comedy, are also witnessing substantial growth, indicating a shift away from the dramatic productions that once dominated the industry.

Future Projections for Indonesian Cinema

JAFF Market's forecasts, supported by data from Cinepoint, are optimistic. They project that cinema admissions in Indonesia will rise from 126 million in 2024 to 100 million for local films alone by 2026. Additionally, the number of annual productions is expected to increase from 152 to approximately 200 within the same timeframe. This growth illustrates the increasing capacity and interest in local cinema.

Building Infrastructure for Growth

To support the anticipated growth in admissions and productions, the theatrical infrastructure in Indonesia is also expanding. Current screen counts of over 2,200 are projected to rise to 2,700 by 2030. Much of this expansion is focused on smaller cities, where cinema culture is still developing. This infrastructural growth is essential in accommodating the increasing demand for local films.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite positive trends, per-capita attendance in Indonesia remains below 0.5, suggesting significant opportunities for further audience development. As the country undergoes economic growth and urbanization, there is potential for greater engagement with cinema. Sekarini Seruni, business director of JAFF Market, noted the diverse channels through which Indonesian films are now released, including festivals, theatres, and digital platforms. Each channel plays a unique role in expanding the reach of local narratives.

What’s Next for JAFF Market

The partnership between JAFF Market and Cinepoint will play a crucial role in shaping discussions at JAFF Market 2025, set to take place from 29 November to 1 December in Yogyakarta. This event will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival, providing a platform for project development, content markets, talent initiatives, and industry screenings. The collaboration aims to foster a more robust film ecosystem in Indonesia, driving further growth and innovation in the sector.

As Indonesia’s cinema continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how local productions further establish their place in both domestic and international markets. The data-driven approach adopted by JAFF Market and Cinepoint sets the stage for a new era in Indonesian filmmaking. What further innovations will emerge from this rapidly changing landscape? #IndonesianCinema #FilmIndustryGrowth #JAFFMarket

FAQs

What is JAFF Market?

JAFF Market is the industry arm of the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival, focusing on promoting and supporting the growth of the film industry in Indonesia through various initiatives and data partnerships.

Why is the partnership with Cinepoint significant?

The partnership is significant as it allows JAFF Market to access comprehensive data on box office performance and audience trends, which are essential for strategic decision-making in Indonesia's evolving film industry.

What changes have occurred in Indonesia’s film market recently?

Recently, local Indonesian films have overtaken Hollywood imports in box office admissions, reflecting a growing audience loyalty towards domestic storytelling and a diversification of genres being produced.

What genres are currently popular in Indonesian cinema?

Horror has become a leading genre in Indonesian cinema, alongside growing interest in animation and comedy. This diversification is a response to changing audience preferences and market dynamics.

What future trends are expected in Indonesian filmmaking?

Future trends include increased annual film productions and cinema admissions, alongside an expansion of theatrical infrastructure to accommodate growing audience numbers and preferences.